March is often cold but the sun shines for longer and spring is on its way. So what should you be serving your guests? Pre-dinner drinks A rhubarb daiquiri is a gorgeous way to start the evening. Starters Try this recipe for partridge, bacon and scallop chowder. March is often…
There are several bartenders across the US who claim to have invented the Cosmopolitan in the 1970s or 1980s, from Cheryl Cook in Miami to Toby Cecchini in New York. Although not quite as boozy as the cocktail this sorbet is light, fruity and refreshing. Depending on the crowd, I…
Even Agatha Christie’s most diehard fans would not claim that the title tale of the short-story collection she published in 1960 is her finest mystery. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding does, however, contain her most delightful description of a dessert. Sitting down to Christmas dinner, Hercule Poirot is confronted…
A Christmas pudding is always a welcome addition to the feast and here’s our round-up of what we think are the best Christmas puddings around. However, if you want to offer an alternative to Christmas pudding, take a look at our five recipes here, from Christmas brownies to a chocolate…
A perfect summer pudding with rich colour and fresh taste. Sorbets are light and refreshing but still packed with flavour. (See Philippa’s recipe for blackcurrant clafoutis here.) Recipe for blackcurrant sorbet Serves 4 Ingredients 500g (171⁄2oz) blackcurrants 200ml (7fl oz) water 150g-200g (5oz-7oz) caster sugar Zest and juice 1 orange…
Strawberries are fast coming into season and elderflowers are blooming on the branch. So this recipe for strawberry, cardamom, elderflower and lime sherbet comes at the perfect time and makes for an incredible explosion of flavours. (You might also like to see our recipe for elderflower cordial.) Although sherbets are…
Follow The Field’s recipes for the best alternatives to Christmas pudding. With boozy brownies, a fruitcake from the WI and biscotti for the smalls, there will be a Christmas pud for everyone. Even if it isn’t an offering that can be set alight. If you’re looking for ideas for Christmas…
A great way to use up any old hot cross buns and an excellent method of making use of fresh ones too. Lightly spiced, deliciously rich but not overly sweet, this is one recipe to try this Easter. HOT CROSS BUN-AND-BUTTER PUDDING WITH BRANDY AND MARMALADE Ingredients Makes 4 to…
Pancakes aren’t just for Shrove Tuesday or Pancake Day. They’re delicious all year round and American pancakes work particularly well if you’re wanting a heart breakfast. These from a recipe by Philippa Davis are are remarkably simple to knock together yet immensely satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favourite.…
The best Christmas pudding and brandy butter is a hard combination to beat. Don’t be alarmed by the lack of precision and for goodness sake, leave the supermarket brandy butter on the shelf. Both are best homemade, and remarkably simple, says Ettie Neil-Gallacher. (However, if you are short of time,…
